Stanford scientists discover immune cells that explode like microscopic bombs
Stanford researchers discovered immune cells in flatworms that explode within minutes, killing nearby bacteria and foreign cells before vanishing completely. Their unusually fast and localized attack could offer clues for developing targeted treatments against infections and cancer.
Stanford scientists have discovered a unique type of immune cell they call ruptoblasts, which can explode like microscopic bombs to kill nearby cells. These cells were identified in planarian flatworms, known for their remarkable regenerative abilities. When fused to another worm, ruptoblasts undergo a rapid inflammatory response involving a surge of calcium, causing the cell to burst open and release toxic substances.
This process, named ruptosis, occurs within seconds to minutes, making ruptoblasts highly localized and powerful "weapons" compared to other types of immune cells found in mammals. The researchers believe that understanding ruptosis could lead to new treatments for bacterial infections or tumors. The discovery of ruptoblasts in flatworms highlights the potential of studying less commonly used animal models to uncover novel immune mechanisms.
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